When Do I Begin my Weight Loss Plan?

"When do I begin my weight loss plan," is a common question I get all the time? I answer with a simple, "NOW!" There is nothing gained waiting for tomorrow, or next week. Tomorrow is elusive, it never comes. Yesterday is history that cannot be redeemed. What you have is the moment; I think of each moment as a time for action. To begin a plan is to take action on a plan. And NOW is the best time to do it.

My Friend the Procrastinator

I have a friend who had to buy a new oven when the one in her condo broke down. It was old, not worth the repair bill. So she began to look at new ovens. She investigated gas ovens, electric ovens, and convection ovens. She studied features, price, color availability, and extra features. She called me for advice once a week for seven weeks before she actually bought a new oven. The money she spent on dining out could have contributed to a top of the line oven; she settled for one she thought was affordable.

My friend is a clear example of one who procrastinates. She puts off making decisions until everything is clear in her mind. She weighs alternatives, goes back and forth, and goes back to the store to look one more time. Sales people don't want to see her coming. They tend to hand her off to the newest sales person rather than waste their time on such a person. She is the perfect example of what not to do.

Making Decisions and Taking Action

I am not suggesting that research is not a good thing. But, when it goes to such an extreme, it is an excuse not to take action. If you can't decide on a diet and exercise plan to follow, you are much like my friend who couldn't decide which oven to buy. There is no need for that kind of behavior. It is far better to make a decision and act on it than to take forever to decide.

There is this story about three frogs sitting on a log in the pond. One of the frogs decided to jump in the water. How many frogs are left on the log? The answer is three. The frog in question only decided to jump in the water. No one said anything about acting on that decision.

It is much like deciding to lose weight. Deciding to change your habits to meet a goal. Deciding on an exercise and fitness plan. Deciding is just a first step. It is hardly the action needed to make it work. The long and short of it is that action, any positive action undertaken NOW is better than juggling decision tracks in your head for weeks.

Sara Dawson is the managing partner at The Science of Permanent Weight Loss. Her personal journey going from ‘chubby’ and unhealthy to thin and healthy is one that anyone who suffers from being overweight or in poor health, or both should know. Sara encourages you to visit her Weight Loss Blog where she shares her story along with tips and ideas for healthy weight loss.